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Research Article
Research on the Ecology of Cross-Cultural Education in Japanese Language Education in Chinese Universities
Wang Junhong,
Nan Sining*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
1-6
Received:
13 December 2023
Accepted:
23 December 2023
Published:
8 January 2024
Abstract: This study explores the current educational ecology of cross-cultural foreign language teaching in colleges and universities through a questionnaire survey of 1,027 Japanese language learners in colleges and universities. The research found that: (1) The cross-cultural theoretical education in Japanese language teaching inherits the educational ecological resources for cultivating Japanese language communicative ability, so it has advantages in curriculum setting, cross-cultural information acquisition environment, teacher teaching, etc.; (2) In terms of cross-cultural practical ability, although all universities basically provide cross-cultural practical activities for overseas study or short-term overseas experience, the popularity rate is not high. Japanese language learners mainly rely on communication and interaction with foreign teachers in teaching, and indirect contact activities such as elective courses on foreign cultural knowledge; (3) The school provides few professional and targeted cross-cultural exchange activities. Japanese language learners lack enthusiasm for participating in cross-cultural practical activities. It can be seen that there is an imbalance in the educational ecology of cultivating cross-cultural abilities in Japanese language teaching in Chinese universities. The cultivation of cross-cultural abilities in foreign language teaching cannot be achieved through a certain course alone. It is necessary for schools to serve as the main body of cross-cultural education ecology and foreign language teaching as the carrier of cross-cultural teaching. Achieve mutual complementarity and promotion of theoretical teaching and cross-cultural practice in cross-field cooperation among various disciplines and departments.
Abstract: This study explores the current educational ecology of cross-cultural foreign language teaching in colleges and universities through a questionnaire survey of 1,027 Japanese language learners in colleges and universities. The research found that: (1) The cross-cultural theoretical education in Japanese language teaching inherits the educational eco...
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Review Article
Application of Variationist Sociolinguistic Method in SLA: A Research Overview of China and Abroad
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
7-15
Received:
5 November 2023
Accepted:
22 December 2023
Published:
18 January 2024
Abstract: Combining insights from variationist sociolinguistics and SLA, the present paper is situated within the SLA research which applies variationist sociolinguistic method. The quantitative research method in sociolinguistic variation theory provides a new perspective for the research of SLA. This paper expounds and analyzes the SLA research in the light of variation theory, particularly focusing on the variation research of interlanguage both in China and abroad, and further presents the application of variationist sociolinguistic method in interlanguage research. The combination of variation theory and SLA research is crucial to deepen the development of SLA research, specifically, in L2 learning and teaching to provide suggestions to L2 learners and teachers. In so doing, L2 learners do not use or underuse the appropriate form in context, such that there is a form-function mismatch in their interlanguage. Specifically, first, although the quantitative research methods in sociolinguistic variation theory provide a new perspective for second language acquisition research, it should not been regarded as the only effective way to study interlanguage variation. To accurately analyze the interlanguage of learners, sometimes other methods such as oral reports and participant ethnography are also needed. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods can help obtain more reliable research results. Secondly, the phenomenon of variation should not only remain at the level of pronunciation, vocabulary, syntax, etc., and the writing system can also be studied as a phenomenon of variation. In the process of acquiring the target language, it is also worth exploring whether learners will imitate the writing habits of native speakers, or whether learners will be influenced by their own mother tongue to create new forms of writing. Finally, although the research findings on interlanguage variation have implications for classroom teaching, when applied to second language acquisition classrooms, teachers need to carefully consider their classroom applicability.
Abstract: Combining insights from variationist sociolinguistics and SLA, the present paper is situated within the SLA research which applies variationist sociolinguistic method. The quantitative research method in sociolinguistic variation theory provides a new perspective for the research of SLA. This paper expounds and analyzes the SLA research in the ligh...
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Review Article
Morphological Properties of Place Names in Runyambo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
16-26
Received:
5 December 2023
Accepted:
2 January 2024
Published:
18 January 2024
Abstract: This paper examines the morphological properties of place names in Runyambo, a Bantu language spoken in the north western part of Tanzania in Karagwe and Kyerwa districts of Kagera region. The structure of place names is as important as their meaning as far as the language is concerned. The paper is qualitative with descriptions of place names. Data was collected through unstructured interviews and focus group discussions. This paper employs the toponymic typology developed by Jan Tent and David Blair. It was found that Runyambo place names have varied morphology with some place names found in the locative noun classes 16 and 17. Most place names differ from nouns in not possessing augment, possessing a unique agreement which do not reflect the prefix on the names to the other categories occurring with it. Place names in Runyambo are also formed through reduplication, compounding with some of them being sentential. The prepositions nya (cl.9), rwa (cl.11), ca (cl.7) ‘of’ seem to form most of the nouns in addition to cl. 17 o-mu- and class 16 a-ha-. Place names in Runyambo are also found by attaching the noun class prefix. Some of the names are sentential. It is concluded that place names in Runyambo differ from nouns hence they form a unique category.
Abstract: This paper examines the morphological properties of place names in Runyambo, a Bantu language spoken in the north western part of Tanzania in Karagwe and Kyerwa districts of Kagera region. The structure of place names is as important as their meaning as far as the language is concerned. The paper is qualitative with descriptions of place names. Dat...
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Research Article
Expression Forms of Hyperbole in Mandarin Chinese
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
27-31
Received:
22 December 2023
Accepted:
6 January 2024
Published:
23 January 2024
Abstract: This paper focuses on expression forms of hyperbole. In Mandarin Chinese, hyperbole is one of the most regular rhetorical methods which has been observed from the ancient time. Hyperbole as one of the traditional rhetorical devices has been mentioned in WEN XIN DIAO LONG in Chinese Liang of the Southern dynasties. In previous studies, description and explanation of hyperbole are normally from the perspective of pragmatics or cognitive semantics. However, in language usage, different syntactical structures can express the same or similar meanings. As for hyperbole, as long as the semantic combination of components approaches the extreme value, the meaning of hyperbole can be interpreted. The expression forms can be some words, such as some Chinese adverbs “kuai4yao4” (about to) “jiu4yao4” (be going to), “cha4dianr3” (almost), “ji1hu1” (almost), “xian3xie1” (nearly), “jian3zhi2” (simply) and “hao3xiang4” (seem). It also can be some phrases, such as modifier-head construction, subject-predicate construction, verb-complement construction and so on. Some sentences also can express the meaning of hyperbole, such as “lian” sentence, comparative sentence and so on. Even some complex sentences can express the meaning of hyperbole, such as hypothetical complex sentence and sequential complex sentence. Such research perspective can help us find out different forms of hyperbole under the same internal meaning.
Abstract: This paper focuses on expression forms of hyperbole. In Mandarin Chinese, hyperbole is one of the most regular rhetorical methods which has been observed from the ancient time. Hyperbole as one of the traditional rhetorical devices has been mentioned in WEN XIN DIAO LONG in Chinese Liang of the Southern dynasties. In previous studies, description a...
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Research Article
Obstacles Facing English Language Students in Speaking at the Faculty of Education in Nalut
Abeer Shaiboob,
Samia Hablaja
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
32-46
Received:
30 March 2023
Accepted:
16 May 2023
Published:
23 January 2024
Abstract: This study aims to reveal the factors affecting students at Faculty of Education in Nalut to develop their speaking skills. It used qualitative and quantitative approaches to address this issue. Three assistant professors were interviewed, and 27 students were requested to answer the questionnaire. The results reveal that there are three different interrelated factors negatively impacting students' speaking improvement. These factors are the use of correct grammar, lack of vocabulary and pronunciation as linguistics factors whereas psychological factors are accounted for lack of motivation and anxiety. The external factors were dominated by the lack of practice outside the classroom and problems related to the course of listening and speaking. Students' carelessness also was another major drawback factor that affected their speaking improvement. It is believed that the findings of this study could have a profound impact on the way speaking courses should be taught, and how it can be effective by taking into consideration the factors affecting students' progress in speaking. Therefore, it is suggested that teachers should re-evaluate students’ grammatical errors in their speaking to gradually improve speaking teaching methods. Most importantly, teachers should provide a stress-free learning environment to reduce anxiety and enhance motivation. Meanwhile, students should have practical plans to reduce or overcome their psychological issues. If they manage to do that, they will definitely improve their speaking skills resulting in rising self-confidence.
Abstract: This study aims to reveal the factors affecting students at Faculty of Education in Nalut to develop their speaking skills. It used qualitative and quantitative approaches to address this issue. Three assistant professors were interviewed, and 27 students were requested to answer the questionnaire. The results reveal that there are three different ...
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Research Article
When the Blind Lead the Blinds - Analysing the Written English Productions of Francophone Primary School Teachers’ in Far-North Cameroon and the Need for Pedagogic Reforms
Lozzi Martial Meutem Kamtchueng*,
François Marc Noyomdi
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
47-52
Received:
7 October 2023
Accepted:
30 October 2023
Published:
5 February 2024
DOI:
10.11648/ijll.20241201.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study assesses the English written productions of francophone primary school teachers in the Far-North Region of Cameroon. The sample population was made up of 61 francophone primary school teachers in 19 schools in the Far-North region of Cameroon. They were administered an essay, and some lessons were scanned from their preparation books. The theoretical framework used for this study is Error Analysis theory. The study addresses some graphological, lexical and grammatical features in the written productions of the respondents. The results show that francophone primary school teachers make many errors in their written productions related to the use of some signs of graphology, lexical items, and grammatical constructions. As far as the origin of these errors is concerned, the interference of their official L1 language (French) was to be pointed at in the first place since they use it to fill their gaps in English grammar, lexicology, and graphology. Besides, the respondents display weaknesses as far as the graphological, lexical, and grammatical rules that govern English written productions are concerned. The results show that francophone primary school teachers are not proficient in English and consequently cannot teach that subject efficiently to pupils in primary schools.
Abstract: This study assesses the English written productions of francophone primary school teachers in the Far-North Region of Cameroon. The sample population was made up of 61 francophone primary school teachers in 19 schools in the Far-North region of Cameroon. They were administered an essay, and some lessons were scanned from their preparation books. Th...
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Research Article
Causation from the Perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistics
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
53-57
Received:
25 December 2023
Accepted:
12 January 2024
Published:
5 February 2024
Abstract: This paper explores the intricacies of causative constructions within the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, emphasizing their significance in understanding the relationship between processes and the individuals affected. Delving into diverse theoretical perspectives on causation, the study provides an overview of causative expressions, highlighting the formalist view and its proponents such as Nash and Pylkkänen. Cognitive linguists, like Langacker, contribute to the discussion with the action chain model, emphasizing the transfer of energy between entities in the causal chain. After discussing these clashing positions, the paper critiques previous studies that equate agency with causation within the transitivity system. SFL communities have also debated how causation simultaneously fits in the whole transitivity system along with the subsystems of agency and process type. This study revisits the debate and offers an overview of different positions among SFL scholars such as Lavid and Arús, and García. The relationship between agency and causation is discussed while considering the complexity of the transitive and the ergative perspectives. After fully discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the opposing viewpoints of these scholars, this paper suggests extending the agency system to include analytic and synthetic, which interact with the causation system to form analytic causation, supporting the idea of a comprehensive causation system within the transitivity system. Finally, the paper suggests future avenues for research, endorsing the incorporation of corpus-based analyses to complement qualitative approaches in understanding causative constructions fully.
Abstract: This paper explores the intricacies of causative constructions within the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, emphasizing their significance in understanding the relationship between processes and the individuals affected. Delving into diverse theoretical perspectives on causation, the study provides an overview of causative expression...
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Research Article
The Anaphoric Relations in Jita: A Government and Binding Perspective
Joseph Samwel*,
Lea Mpobela,
Nasibu Musa Kalokola
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2024
Pages:
58-70
Received:
5 January 2024
Accepted:
23 January 2024
Published:
20 February 2024
Abstract: This paper delves into anaphoric relations in Jita, a Bantu language spoken in the Majita area in Mara region, Tanzania. Majita is situated to the southwest of Musoma town and on the southeast bank of Lake Victoria, specifically in the Butata and Makojo villages where the study was conducted. The study drew inspiration from Universal Theory of Government and Binding, focusing on Binding theory. It employed a qualitative research approach and snowball sampling technique to select informants. Data collection methods included sentence questionnaires and grammaticality judgments, and the data were analysed descriptively using a code system and geometry tree. The findings reveal that in Jita, reflexive and reciprocal anaphors are expressed as verbal affixes (-i- and -an-) respectively, and also subject markers such as ni- ‘I’, chi- ‘we’, a- ‘he/she’, mu-/u- ‘you’ and bha- ‘they’ behave like anaphors while pronominal can be realized as both verbal affixes such as chi- ‘us’, m- ‘me’, mu- ‘him/her’ and bha- ‘them’ and personal pronouns such as anye ‘me’, awe ‘you’, amwe ‘you’ in syntactic constructions. The paper also delves into the relationships between the anaphors and their antecedents in syntactic constructions, shedding light on the intricate nature of anaphoric relations in Jita.
Abstract: This paper delves into anaphoric relations in Jita, a Bantu language spoken in the Majita area in Mara region, Tanzania. Majita is situated to the southwest of Musoma town and on the southeast bank of Lake Victoria, specifically in the Butata and Makojo villages where the study was conducted. The study drew inspiration from Universal Theory of Gove...
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